INTRODUCTION.

INFANT children do sicken and die. The fact is painfully evident; but a deep mysery hangs over the whole subject. Questions of difficult or impossible solution press upon the anxious mind. So ignorant, so tender, so helpless is that infant spirit that is just leaving its mortal tenement, the parent's heart almost bursts with intense desire to follow it to its mysterious home, and see to whose guardian care it is committed. Faith comes to our aid. The sleepless eye that watches over the sparrow can not lose sight of the young immortal, just entered upon its eternal career, He who so tenderly folded "little children" in his arms, whilst here below, will commission his angels to guard them, when taken from the embraces of fond parents.

True, their souls are deeply, fatally stained with sin; but the blood of Christ, which "cleanseth from all sin," can wash away the stain. True, they can not exercise faith; but God no more requires impossibilities of infants than of adults. The little ones our Saviour blessed when on earth, understood not what he did, and yet they were blessed. He can still bless those who are equally incapable of exercising faith.

Believing parents have a double consolation; for their children sustain to God a covenant relation; and He is a covenant-keeping God. With unshaken confidence may they commit their dying children into the hands of their Saviour, and rejoice, whilst they weep, in the hope of meeting them in a happier world.

The views presented in the following work are the result of the searchings of a bereaved heart after consolation. The reader need not be told, that with the author they are not matters of speculation, but truths on which his own soul has feasted, thus gaining strength to bear sorrows.

None can so well console the afflicted as they who have suffered similarly, and have sought and found consolation in the precious truths of God's word. How affectingly this truth is expressed by the Apostle Paul in the following language: "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the same comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." We doubt not, that many a wounded heart will find in these pages a healing balm.

But this volume is not only valuable as a discussion of the doctrine of infant salvation, but as it contains a clear statement and defense of some of the great doctrines of the gospel, we sincerely desire for it an extensive circulation.

N. L. RICE.

I.

The Golden Bowls Enjoyed.

THE morning had at last dawned which was to witness the consummation of the cherished purpose of my heart. Whilst with hearts already one, we renewed our mutual Vows before the marriage altar, the sun struggled ineffectually to cast his golden bars through the dense black clouds which hid his face.

Was this a significant omen?

It may have been fancy, but the presentiment pressed heavily upon my heart-"The morning of your married life will be overcast with clouds." The festive company could not chase away my gloom. I tried to appear happy, but my spirits were sad. I shuddered, as I struggled in vain to penetrate the future. I found relief only in prayer for resignation and strength in each event of life.